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A California fire captain led a group of motorists in an extraordinary roadside rescue after a medical helicopter crashed on a Sacramento highway Monday evening, trapping a paramedic beneath the wreckage. Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis said he quickly organized about 15 bystanders to help lift the downed aircraft after hearing a faint groan from the trapped medic. “When I yelled ‘lift,’ they lifted. When I said ‘hold,’ they held,” Vandersluis told the Associated Press on Tuesday. “Out of pure instinct — they didn’t hesitate and followed every command. We lifted it with ease.” The paramedic, along with a nurse and pilot on board, were rescued and taken to local hospitals in critical condition. The helicopter had just departed a hospital after dropping off a patient when it experienced an “in-air emergency” and crashed on State Route 50, east of downtown Sacramento, around 7 p.m. Vandersluis, who was leading the first fire engine crew to reach the scene, realized additional rescuers would take too long to arrive. “Once I heard the woman groan, I decided to call out for bystanders to help lift the helicopter off her,” he said. A firefighter crawled under the wreckage, cut the paramedic’s seatbelt, and pulled her free as the group held the aircraft aloft for roughly 30 seconds. Within a minute, she was safely extracted, and the group gently lowered the helicopter back down. Vandersluis, a nearly 20-year firefighting veteran, said it was the first time he had led civilians in such an emergency. “My training told me exactly what needed to be done,” he said. His engine crew had been responding to a nearby motorcycle accident when the helicopter went down, arriving within minutes by driving against traffic. Several motorists were already out of their vehicles trying to assist when firefighters arrived. Among them was Aimee Braddock, who told KCRA-TV she joined the effort without hesitation. “As soon as I saw people pushing the helicopter to help the responders, I just ran over and joined in,” she said. “We held it for several minutes until they got the person out.” Firefighters said the helicopter did not catch fire, although white smoke was seen billowing from it — later identified as gas released by its onboard fire suppression system. No motorists were injured, which Capt. Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department called “mind-blowing,” given that the helicopter crashed in the center of a busy highway. “Witnesses said they saw the helicopter descending fast, and traffic slowed down just in time,” Sylvia said. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash of the Airbus EC-130 T2 helicopter. The aircraft belonged to REACH Air Medical Services, which said in a statement it was working to determine the cause of the crash and the condition of its crew. “We are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers,” the company said. Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan, who was accompanying law enforcement officers at the time, described seeing plumes of white smoke at the scene. “It’s humbling and sobering,” she said. “Seeing what these medical pilots and first responders risk every day really makes you grateful for them — and for every day we have.” Source: AP

President Donald Trump is preparing a major aid package to help American soybean farmers struggling under China’s ongoing boycott of U.S. beans, even as he continues efforts to secure a trade deal with Beijing. U.S. soybean growers, who once relied on China as their biggest customer, fear that time is running out for an agreement that could save this year’s harvest. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that the administration would soon announce “substantial support for our farmers, especially the soybean farmers,” possibly by Tuesday. While details remain unclear, the package is expected to draw from tariff revenues as relief for farmers hit hard by the trade standoff. “The soybean farmers of our country are being hurt because China is, for ‘negotiating’ reasons only, not buying,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that he would discuss the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting later this month in South Korea. Soybeans are the top U.S. agricultural export, accounting for about 14% of farm goods shipped abroad. China previously bought about a quarter of all American soybeans, but it has not purchased any for the current harvest season, turning instead to Brazil and Argentina. Farmers say they are being caught in the middle of a trade war not of their making. “It’s just unfortunate that we’re being used as a bargaining chip,” said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association. “Many of us may not survive another year without action.” With China imposing a 20% tariff on U.S. soybeans in retaliation for Trump’s import taxes on Chinese goods, analysts say the U.S. crop has become uncompetitive. Still, some observers believe a soybean deal could be the “lowest-hanging fruit” for both governments as they seek to stabilize relations. Meanwhile, frustration among U.S. farmers is growing after China recently bought nearly two million tons of Argentine soybeans following a U.S.-backed support package for Argentina’s economy. Despite possible federal relief, farmers say they prefer trade over aid. “We’d rather make it with our own two hands than have it handed to us,” said Iowa farmer Robb Ewoldt. Others, like Ryan Mackenthun of Minnesota, are cutting costs to stay afloat. “It’s definitely time to tighten the belt and stretch what we have to survive,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated bids for the Nobel Peace Prize have drawn media attention, but experts say his chances remain slim. Trump has been nominated multiple times since 2018, including by U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney for his role in brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. He has publicly boasted of ending “seven wars” and hinted at resolving an eighth if Israel and Hamas accept his peace plan for Gaza. However, Nobel Committee veterans emphasize that the award typically recognizes sustained, multilateral efforts that promote lasting peace and international cooperation. Theo Zenou, a historian, said Trump’s approach lacks long-term impact and noted his dismissive stance on climate change is inconsistent with the committee’s priorities. Trump signs order pledging US defense of Qatar after Israeli strike The Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member panel appointed by parliament, meets privately and resists political pressure. Past controversies, including awarding the prize to Barack Obama in 2009 early in his first term, illustrate the committee’s caution. “Nobody’s ever done that,” Trump told military leaders at Quantico, referring to his peace initiatives. But Nina Græger of the Peace Research Institute Oslo said his rhetoric does not reflect a peaceful perspective, making this year’s prize a “long shot.” Nobel announcements for other categories begin Monday, with the Peace Prize scheduled for Friday. Source: AP

The US federal government has shut down after lawmakers from both parties failed to reach a budget agreement, threatening widespread disruptions across the country. The impasse affects federal funding through October and could place about 40% of the workforce — roughly 800,000 employees — on unpaid leave. Air travel disruptionTravelers may face long security lines and flight delays as some unpaid air traffic controllers may choose to stay home, although essential staff at airports, including TSA agents, are required to work. Passport processing could also slow down, affecting Americans planning to travel abroad. Federal employees and contractorsNon-essential federal workers will be furloughed, while essential employees will work without pay until the shutdown ends. Agencies like the CDC and NIH may halt ongoing research due to staff shortages. Contractors, who are not government employees, typically receive no backpay during shutdowns. National parks and federal landsNational Parks and forests may close to visitors during the shutdown, as rangers and other staff are furloughed. Leaving parks open without staff, as happened in past shutdowns, has led to vandalism and littering. Former park officials have urged the government to fully close parks in such situations. Museums and zoosWashington’s Smithsonian museums will remain open until at least Oct 6 using prior funding, and animals at the National Zoo will continue to be cared for. However, non-essential services, like zoo webcams, will be suspended. Health and food programsPrograms such as Medicare and Medicaid will continue, though staffing shortages could disrupt some services. Disaster relief is mostly unaffected initially, but extended shutdowns may strain FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Food assistance programs like WIC are at risk of running out of funds quickly, while SNAP could continue longer but remains vulnerable. The shutdown underscores the potential impact of political deadlock on everyday life, affecting jobs, travel, health care, and access to public lands.   Source: BBC

The U.S. government is on the verge of its first shutdown in almost seven years as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over spending and health care, raising concerns over furloughs for thousands of federal workers. The government is set to close at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday unless the Senate approves a House-passed bill extending federal funding for seven weeks while Congress finalizes annual spending legislation. Senate Democrats have refused to back the measure without including an extension of expiring health care subsidies, while President Donald Trump and Republican leaders insist on passing a “clean” funding bill without additional conditions. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Monday the outcome depends on Trump, urging him to convince Republican lawmakers to meet Democratic demands. Vice President JD Vance, however, warned that a shutdown is likely because Democrats “won’t do the right thing.” The standoff comes as Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 Senate majority and will likely need support from at least eight Democrats to overcome a filibuster and secure passage. Senator Rand Paul is expected to oppose the measure, complicating efforts further. Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which provide health insurance relief to millions, set to expire at year-end. Republicans argue the issue should be debated separately and have proposed limits on the credits. House and Senate leaders met with Trump Monday, but no breakthrough was reported. During the meeting, Trump expressed reluctance to negotiate and later posted a doctored video mocking Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Federal agencies are preparing contingency plans, detailing which offices would remain open and which employees could be furloughed. White House Budget Director Russ Vought said a shutdown could be avoided if Democrats accept the House bill, but called any holdout tactic “hostage-taking.” The standoff highlights the high-stakes political battle between Trump and congressional Democrats, with health care, government funding, and party leverage at the center of the dispute.

Lufthansa Group announced Monday that it plans to cut 4,000 jobs by 2030 through greater use of artificial intelligence, digitalization and streamlined operations across its airlines — even as it continues to benefit from robust air travel demand and forecasts higher profits in the coming years. The German airline group said most of the job cuts will take place in Germany and will largely target administrative positions rather than frontline operational roles. Lufthansa is working to strengthen integration among its carriers — Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways — by eliminating overlapping functions. “Profound changes brought about by digitalization and artificial intelligence will significantly improve efficiency across business areas,” the company noted in a statement. Unveiling its strategy to investors and analysts in Munich, the group said it was enjoying strong passenger demand, supported by limited flight capacity due to supply chain issues for aircraft and engines — a situation keeping planes full and driving up revenue. Looking ahead, Lufthansa expects “substantially higher profitability” by the end of the decade and is preparing for the largest fleet renewal in its history. More than 230 new aircraft, including 100 long-haul planes, will join the fleet by 2030. Lufthansa Group, which operates globally with network carriers, low-cost airline Eurowings and service businesses, employed over 101,000 people in 2024 and recorded revenue of €37.6 billion ($44 billion).

At least four people were killed and eight others injured after a gunman rammed a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, opened fire and set the building on fire during a Sunday service. The attacker was later fatally shot by police. Authorities continued to search the church ruins for additional victims. The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. local time in Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, while hundreds were inside the church. Police identified the gunman as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine from nearby Burton. He reportedly exited his vehicle carrying two American flags, opened fire and used gasoline to ignite the fire. Explosive devices were also found, though it was unclear if they were deployed. Police Chief William Renye said responding officers arrived within 30 seconds of a 911 call. Sanford fled the scene, prompting a brief pursuit and gunfire exchange that left him dead about eight minutes later. Authorities said churchgoers shielded children and moved them to safety during the attack. The blaze engulfed the large church for hours before firefighters extinguished it. Two bodies were recovered from the debris, while one victim remained in critical condition and seven others were stable. Some attendees were unaccounted for, police said. Sanford’s motive remains unclear. Military records show he served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, including deployment to Iraq. The FBI, leading the investigation, described the attack as “targeted violence.” The shooting occurred a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the church’s president, aged 101. Church spokesperson Doug Anderson said authorities were cooperating with law enforcement and urged prayers for peace and healing. President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s response on social media and called for an end to “this epidemic of violence” in the U.S. The attack reverberated across the region, prompting prayer services and community support. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the incident “unacceptable,” emphasizing that violence in places of worship is intolerable.

The United Nations has downplayed suggestions of sabotage after an escalator carrying US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump abruptly stopped ahead of his speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. The sudden stoppage forced the couple to walk up the halted stairway, prompting White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to express anger. On X, she wrote that any UN staff responsible should be “fired and investigated immediately.” Leavitt’s post included a screenshot of a Times article by Washington editor Katy Balls, who noted that some UN employees had joked about shutting off escalators and elevators so Trump “has to walk up the stairs.” In response, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric explained that the problem likely occurred because a videographer from Trump’s team stepped onto the escalator just before the president and the first lady. Trump’s remarks on Tylenol, vaccines spark concern among pregnant women “A subsequent investigation, including a readout of the machine’s central processing unit, indicated that the escalator had stopped after a built-in safety mechanism on the comb step was triggered at the top of the escalator,” Dujarric said. “The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function described above.” Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, declined to comment on the UN explanation. Trump, meanwhile, treated the glitch with humor. During his address, he quipped that all he received from the UN was a “bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.” He added, “If the first lady wasn’t in great shape, she would have fallen, but she’s in great shape,” drawing laughter from the audience. With input from Al Jazeera

U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings about Tylenol and vaccines during pregnancy have sparked confusion and anxiety among expectant mothers, drawing pushback from doctors who say his claims are not backed by science. At a White House news conference on Monday, Trump urged pregnant women not to take Tylenol, citing a supposed risk of autism in children. He also revived widely debunked claims that vaccines or closely timed immunizations could contribute to autism. The comments left some pregnant women unsettled, while others expressed frustration. Faith Ayer, a nurse practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida, who is 17 weeks pregnant, said she felt “disappointed and angry” listening to Trump. “A lot of the claims that were shared have just not been backed by evidence,” she said. Doctors across the country said they were already fielding questions from patients. “People are concerned,” said Dr. R. Todd Ivey, an OB-GYN in Houston. “But what I’m doing is reassuring patients that there is no causation that has ever been proven.” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long considered Tylenol — also known as acetaminophen — one of the few safe pain relievers during pregnancy. By contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin may cause serious fetal kidney problems. Ayer said she relied on Tylenol to manage chronic migraines and a fever during COVID-19, with approval from her doctor. “Weighing benefits and risks, I had no reservations when taking Tylenol,” she said, noting that untreated fevers can raise the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. She also plans to vaccinate her baby according to medical guidelines. But some pregnant women are less certain. Dr. Stella Dantas, an OB-GYN in Portland, Oregon, said she is already receiving queries from patients who are now more anxious. “There are a number of reasons patients will need to take it, and patients already feel anxious about any medication in pregnancy,” she said. Doctors are working to reassure patients. “Tylenol has been around for decades, is safe, and has not been shown to cause autism,” said Dr. Clayton Alfonso, an OB-GYN at Duke University. He said his team is preparing standard responses to handle the influx of questions. The Coalition of Autism Scientists also points out that acetaminophen use has not risen in line with autism diagnoses. While some studies have hinted at possible links, many have not, and experts stress that autism is largely genetic, influenced by factors such as parental age and maternal health conditions. “Besides letting patients know there has been no causal link established or proven, we also advise against ‘toughing it out’ if they have fever or pain,” said Dantas. “A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy mom.” Doctors also underscored the importance of vaccination, at a time when refusals are becoming more common. “We know that these vaccines save lives,” Ivey said. “They don’t cause autism.” Physicians cautioned that pregnant women should not blame themselves if their child is later diagnosed with autism. “We need to take a deep breath,” Ivey said. “We need to trust the people doing the work — the scientists, the physicians, the other health care providers.”

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on Sunday urged deeper military-to-military dialogue during a rare meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, marking the first visit by House members since 2019. The last congressional trip to China took place in 2023, when a group of senators visited. Sunday’s delegation, led by Rep. Adam Smith, was welcomed by Li, who described it as an “icebreaking trip that will further the ties between the two countries.” Trump urges NATO to halt Russian oil imports, warns of steep tariffs on China “It is important for our two countries to have more exchanges and cooperation. This is not only good for our two countries but also of great significance to the world,” Li said. Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said both sides agreed on the main priorities of the visit. “Certainly, trade and economy is on the top of the list ... (but also) we’re very focused on our military-to-military conversations,” he said in his opening remarks. “As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’m deeply concerned that our two militaries don’t communicate more.” The delegation also included Michael Baumgartner, a Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Democrats Ro Khanna and Chrissy Houlahan, both members of the Armed Services Committee. The group is scheduled to remain in China until Thursday. U.S.-China relations have deteriorated sharply since President Donald Trump’s first term, strained by disputes over trade, Taiwan, Beijing’s support for Russia, and China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. Tensions rise after Chinese and Philippine ships collide near disputed South China Sea shoal “China and the U.S. are the two most powerful and influential countries in the world. It’s really important that we get along and find a way to peacefully coexist in the world,” Smith said. “I really welcome your remarks about wanting to build and strengthen that relationship.” Trump confirmed he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at a regional summit in South Korea at the end of October and plans to visit China early next year, following what he described as a lengthy and constructive phone call with Xi on Friday. Source: Agency